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§ 6-331. Depositions upon written questions.

(a) Serving Questions; Notice. After commencement of the action, any party may take the testimony of any person including a party by deposition upon written questions. The attendance of witnesses may be compelled by a subpoena that contains the information specified by Rule 30(b)(1)(B). The deposition of a person confined in prison may be taken only by leave of court on such terms as the court prescribes.

A party desiring to take a deposition upon written questions shall serve them upon every other party with a notice stating:

(1) The name and address of the person who is to answer them, if known, and if the name is not known, a general description sufficient to identify him or her or the particular class or group to which he or she belongs, and

(2) The name or descriptive title and address of the officer before whom the deposition is to be taken.

(3) If an interpreter will be used, the notice shall also state that an interpreter will be used and state the language that will be interpreted or the type of interpretation (e.g., sign language). The provisions of Rule 30(b)(5) govern who may serve as an interpreter.

A deposition upon written questions may be taken of a public or private corporation or a partnership or association or governmental agency in accordance with the provisions of Rule 30(b)(6).

Within thirty days after the notice and written questions are served, a party may serve cross questions upon all other parties. Within ten days after being served with cross questions, a party may serve redirect questions upon all other parties. Within ten days after being served with redirect questions, a party may serve recross questions upon all other parties. The court may, for cause shown, enlarge or shorten the time.

(b) Officer to Take Responses and Prepare Record. A copy of the notice and copies of all questions served shall be delivered by the party taking the deposition to the officer designated in the notice, who shall proceed promptly, in the manner provided by Rule 30(c), (e), and (f), to take the testimony of the witness in response to the questions and to prepare, certify, and deliver the deposition, attaching thereto the copy of the notice and the questions received by him or her.

(c) The party taking the deposition shall give prompt notice to all other parties that it has been delivered by the officer before whom taken.

COMMENT TO RULE 31

This rule substantially follows the federal rule. It also incorporates the provisions of Rule 30 on interpreters.